Dating after the age of 40 can be intimidating. Unlike your 20s or 30s, you can’t assume everyone your age is single and looking. While meeting people organically in public still happens, dating sites and apps take a lot of the guesswork (and nerves) out of the equation.
Read on for the best dating sites for over 40 singles, plus tips on how to get back into the dating game.
How to start dating again at 40
The first step is recognizing that you’re ready to open your heart again. This means being honest with yourself about past relationships and any emotional baggage you might carry (which we all have to some extent).
How do you know if you’re ready? If the thought of getting coffee or drinks with someone new gives you nothing but anxiety, it may be a sign that you’re not quite ready to start dating again. But if you feel hopeful, excited, and, dare we say, giddy, then it’s probably safe to say that you’re ready to put yourself out there.
Once you’ve touched base with your emotions, you should do the same with your dating profile. Are you interested in a serious relationship, a casual encounter, or a friendship that could evolve into something more? Whatever it is, be upfront. You don’t want to fall for someone only to realize they aren’t looking for the same thing.
What are the best dating apps for over 40 singles?
The best dating app depends on what you’re looking for. There are hundreds of options out there, so it’s important to take some time to figure out which ones align with your goals and dating preferences. Match and eharmony use sophisticated algorithms to connect you with compatible singles looking for love and commitment.
Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble are more for flirty connections and potential sparks. OkCupid is a good middle ground and caters to liberal and LGBTQ+ communities, offering a space to be your most authentic self sans judgment.
Pro tip: Based on our in-depth reviews, we recommend steering clear of Zoosk and Our Time for singles over 40. (Full details on our testing methodology in the “How We Tested” section!)
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of our top picks for the best dating sites for people over 40.
We considered factors like affordability, accessibility (including user-friendly interfaces and availability on Google Play and the App Store), and overall success rate for helping users find meaningful connections.
